Routing the Joint
Start the router and rout across the front edge , feeding the router from right to left ( this will prevent break out along the front edge ). And then from left to right move the router in between the fingers of the template . Check that all waste has been removed before removing the workpiece or making any adjustment to the jig . Repeat the procedure for the opposite side taking care to follow the correct procedure .
When fitting drawers into enclosed cabinets , make the back lower to avoid air pressure behind the drawer making it difficult to close
Drawer back fitted to sides with lapped dovetails ( as cut for front ), or rebated joints and glued or pinned to plywood bottom
Never attempt to lift the router upwards - you may catch the template with the cutter . And always wait for the cutter to stop rotating before sliding it away from the template . IP
Use a slotter mounted on an arbor to cut to a depth of 4 to 5mm to produce the groove for the drawer bottom . This can be easier to do with it set-up in a router table . Alternatively a 4 mm straight fluted cutter can be used using a sidefence portably .
1 / 2 inch dovetail with rebated front
Rebated Dovetails
Rebated dovetails are cut in two stages . First the drawer front is rebated using a straight cutter , guided by the router sidefence or fitted in a router table , or by using a rebate cutter . The second stage , using the DJ300 dovetail jig is the same as the cutting sequence for flush sided drawers , but using edge guide set No . 2 for 1 / 2 inch dovetails and No . 4 for 1 / 4 inch dovetails .
1 / 4 inch dovetail with rebated front
All the operations shown can be repeated for 1 / 4 inch dovetails using the 1 / 4 inch template , different edge guides , the 1 / 4 inch dovetail cutter and the smaller guide bush .